[Yona's expression relaxes as she straightens her posture, her head lifting back up. Of course, he knows what she's talking about. Zero and Yuuki have known each other for many years and have a long history together, even before Haven. Very much like her and Hak. There are probably a number of things Zero could tell her that would be difficult for her friend to process. She trusts that he will make the right judgement. And if, for whatever reason, something happens like the last time, Yona will be there to help Yuuki through it.
Although, she can't guarantee that. All the friends she left behind in Haven. She thought she would be there to protect them. She tries her best to discard that thought, but the guilt still knots her stomach even now.]
I'm glad. [She pauses, not sure how to word her next question.] You said Yuuki has been missing for eight days now. [She hesitates, dreading what his answer might be.] Is it... is it like when I disappeared from Inugami?
[More than just difficult. Although a majority of the time that they've known one another was spent more simply and peacefully than not, the complexities and challenges within just the past two or so years outweighs it all. All of it truly beginning when Yuuki "awoke" as the vampire she had been born as. From then on, frankly, it's become a bit of a mess. On top of Haven, the disparity between their memories of home just runs so deep.
He can practically see the way she decides how to broach the subject. At least the answer will be something positive.]
It isn't. Your name completely vanished from the phone. Yuuki's is still present. [a beat] Although, if any attempts to contact her are made, the phone zaps you.
[A frown still creases his brow.] No one really has any idea where people go when they're missing, though. And those who have experienced it say they remember nothing. Thankfully, though, they return unharmed.
Aside from the zapping, it's so similar to Haven. [She's still having a difficult time believing the two aren't connected.] Is there any way Inugami is an extension of that place?
[And there's that bittersweet relief she's knows she shouldn't be feeling that Yuuki hasn't completely disappeared. And the fact that she will likely return unharmed eases her concerns just a little bit more. There really is no way to not feel guilt for wanting your friends in a place like this. She's sure that Zero feels the same way. Hak. Kija. Jae-Ha. All of them likely suffer from the same remorse.]
I recall just being able to remember one thing after having gone missing, myself, at one point. Wherever I was had the smell of rust and stale air. Possibly because it just might have had something to do with Storage.
[Not that he even wants to speak that word.
She's right, though. That guilt is all too real. He can't help but be grateful that Yuuki is beside him, here (just as it was in Haven), but at least he knows that it isn't just him.]
There's always the chance. [His shoulders tense, one hand balling into a fist.] I've been treating and seeing it as otherwise, though. It took me a while after first arriving, though. I want to believe this place is completely separate.
[She tries to recall if she remembers anything before she found herself paralyzed in the academic room earlier that day, but nothing distinct comes to mind.
His statement strikes her as odd. Although there are many differences between Haven and Inugami, there are also too many coincidences. It terrifies her to think that there might be two places operating separately from each other that are capable of stealing people from their homes. One was impossible enough.]
[He begins too soon. Why, indeed. It may be some kind of forced hope.]
To be relieved of that hellish place. [He looks away from her, head tipped with his hair shading his eyes.] It's wrong to say, but it's been easier here. There's absolutely no saying what other events may fall upon us, but in comparison. . .
[Yet Yuuki had already died before. Here, though, it was the first time he had ever actually seen her corpse.]
Even if it's only the lesser of two evils. We have a secure roof over our heads. Electricity, warmth, and running water. There's a steady supply of food, and being able to write as we please. I know— Although it's true that Haven was plenty capable of fooling our minds, giving us a false sense of security, I feel this all is different.
It's fine, though, if you don't want to agree.
[The only truly unbearable is Yuuki not remembering.]
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Although, she can't guarantee that. All the friends she left behind in Haven. She thought she would be there to protect them. She tries her best to discard that thought, but the guilt still knots her stomach even now.]
I'm glad. [She pauses, not sure how to word her next question.] You said Yuuki has been missing for eight days now. [She hesitates, dreading what his answer might be.] Is it... is it like when I disappeared from Inugami?
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He can practically see the way she decides how to broach the subject. At least the answer will be something positive.]
It isn't. Your name completely vanished from the phone. Yuuki's is still present. [a beat] Although, if any attempts to contact her are made, the phone zaps you.
[A frown still creases his brow.] No one really has any idea where people go when they're missing, though. And those who have experienced it say they remember nothing. Thankfully, though, they return unharmed.
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[And there's that bittersweet relief she's knows she shouldn't be feeling that Yuuki hasn't completely disappeared. And the fact that she will likely return unharmed eases her concerns just a little bit more. There really is no way to not feel guilt for wanting your friends in a place like this. She's sure that Zero feels the same way. Hak. Kija. Jae-Ha. All of them likely suffer from the same remorse.]
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[Not that he even wants to speak that word.
She's right, though. That guilt is all too real. He can't help but be grateful that Yuuki is beside him, here (just as it was in Haven), but at least he knows that it isn't just him.]
There's always the chance. [His shoulders tense, one hand balling into a fist.] I've been treating and seeing it as otherwise, though. It took me a while after first arriving, though. I want to believe this place is completely separate.
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His statement strikes her as odd. Although there are many differences between Haven and Inugami, there are also too many coincidences. It terrifies her to think that there might be two places operating separately from each other that are capable of stealing people from their homes. One was impossible enough.]
Why do you want to believe that?
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[He begins too soon. Why, indeed. It may be some kind of forced hope.]
To be relieved of that hellish place. [He looks away from her, head tipped with his hair shading his eyes.] It's wrong to say, but it's been easier here. There's absolutely no saying what other events may fall upon us, but in comparison. . .
[Yet Yuuki had already died before. Here, though, it was the first time he had ever actually seen her corpse.]
Even if it's only the lesser of two evils. We have a secure roof over our heads. Electricity, warmth, and running water. There's a steady supply of food, and being able to write as we please. I know— Although it's true that Haven was plenty capable of fooling our minds, giving us a false sense of security, I feel this all is different.
It's fine, though, if you don't want to agree.
[The only truly unbearable is Yuuki not remembering.]